Ski-Doo MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2019 – A true thoroughbred
I had the opportunity to be part of a short-term test in collaboration with Contant de Mirabel. The test was held over a period of two days. I did about 350 km, the first day in mild weather under a bright sun and the second in a storm. There is no better way to test a snowmobile than to test it under different conditions. The MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2019 snowmobile is available in two choices of colors, white and black or as the one I had the pleasure to test, black. It is also available with the 600R E-TEC 2-stroke engine. The medium windshield (17”) provides good protection. Mirrors are available as an option and can be fixed to the sides of the windshield like the ones installed on this model.
The handlebars are simple; the design of the elements is well done and demonstrates Ski-Doo’s signature, undeniably focused on quality. The controls are well designed and ergonomic, making it easy to use with gloves. I even found that it was possible to operate the high and low lights only by touching the switch without having to switch it on completely. It’s a small detail, you might say, but a practical and safe detail that can be useful.
The 850 engine provides power and a dynamic response exclusive to E-TEC® direct injection technology. The cylinders’ exceptional durability is guaranteed by a plasma coating. Thanks to the E-TEC injection, I can see that there is practically no smoke when you start.
The 15 x 129 x 1.25 RipSaw track improves the performance of the renowned rMotionTM rear suspension, without sacrificing its high efficiency in curves, provides more effective braking and better bump absorption. As for the front suspension, it's the RAS 3 with HPG Plus shock absorbers and Pilot 5.7 ski.
During my test, I was able to ride on several trail conditions and my observation is that behind its sober appearance, it's really a thoroughbred. The name MXZ TNT is very appropriate, the power is remarkable at all revs when accelerating on straight lines or at the end of a curve. It gives us as much as we want. The driving is precise, and the front and rear suspensions do an excellent job. The snowmobile is both comfortable and sporty.
The accelerator response is truly sensitive at low revs, which can become unpleasant at times when driving on narrow and bumpy trails. The track vibrates quite intensely before reaching 40 km/h and then the softness returns. A point that Ski-Doo should improve, given the quality of the snowmobile. I would also have liked to have a more aggressive track, to obtain better traction during acceleration and braking, given all the power delivered by this wonderful engine. The mirrors on the windshield are very well positioned, but it lacks a little rigidity.
Besides these few small points that are meant to be constructive, I liked the MXZ TNT 850 E-TEC 2019. The manufacturing quality and ergonomics are impeccable, the performance is as good as its reduced fuel and oil consumption due to the E-TEC technology. I want to thank the Groupe Contant for allowing me to do this test.
If you would like more information about the MXZ tested here, visit https://www.contant.ca/ or contact your local Groupe Contant store.
